STANS, Switzerland, July 15 (UPI) -- Swiss manufacturer Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. reports the Indian air force has started its first basic flight training course using the Pilatus PC-7 MKII trainer.
The PC-7MKII is a single-engine turboprop aircraft with a range of 810 nautical miles and a cruise speed of 245 knots.
The Indian air force had ordered 14 of the trainers as well Pilatus training of maintenance personnel and instructor pilots and provision of logistics support.
The Swiss company said the 14th trainer was delivered to India last month -- 14 months after the package deal was signed. Seventy-five trainers have been ordered.
"The Pilatus team wishes the instructors and cadets at the Air Force Academy Dundigal, who are taking part in this first course, much success," the company said. "Pilatus is confident that the introduction of the PC-7 MkII into the Indian air force training system will prove itself to be an extremely capable, safe and reliable training platform.
"We look forward to continuing deliveries of the 75 PC-7 MkII training aircraft to the Indian air force and in supporting the aircraft for the coming years."
